Frequently Asked Questions

Non-ionizing radiation (often called EMF) includes electric and magnetic fields from wiring, appliances, Wi-Fi, wireless devices, outdoor antennas such as cell towers, and power lines. These fields do not have enough energy to break chemical bonds in cells.

For higher levels of radiofrequency EMF, safety guidelines use a metric called SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) to limit how much energy the body is allowed to absorb from devices such as mobile phones.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a part of the World Health Organization, currently classifies radiofrequency electromagnetic fields as “possibly carcinogenic to humans” (Group 2B), based on limited evidence in humans and experimental studies.

Ionizing radiation is energy that travels through space as invisible rays or tiny particles coming from natural and man-made sources (for example, soil and rock, building materials, medical and industrial equipment). It has enough energy to remove electrons from atoms and molecules, which can damage cells and DNA; at high doses or over long periods this can increase the risk of cancer and other health effects.

In and around homes and other buildings, most everyday ionizing radiation comes from natural background sources. Because almost all rocks, minerals, and soil contain small amounts of naturally occurring radioactive elements, many common construction materials such as concrete, brick, natural stone, and some decorative tiles or countertops also contain very small amounts of radioactivity.

Low levels of additional radioactivity can also be found in some older or antique items, such as uranium-glazed ceramics or uranium glassware, where uranium or, historically, radium was used in glazes or paints.

Formaldehyde (HCHO)

Formaldehyde is a common volatile organic compound (VOC) classified as carcinogenic to humans by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). It is released into indoor air from certain building materials and finishes, pressed wood and other composite wood products, furniture, and combustion sources such as gas appliances, fireplaces, and smoke from nearby wildfires.

Short-term exposure at elevated levels can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and airways. Longer-term exposure at higher concentrations has been associated with worsening asthma, reduced lung function, and other respiratory symptoms.